Specialty paints for printing, marbling and effects

Specialty paints for special techniques and surfaces

Specialty paints are made for specific techniques: printing ink has to roll out evenly onto a plate, marbling paint has to float on water, and paints for glass or metal have to adhere to smooth surfaces. Here you'll find these paints sorted by technique, from brands including Marabu, Viva Decor, Pébéo and Kreul.

Which specialty paint suits your technique

You need lino paints and block printing inks for linocut, soft-cut and stamp plates in relief printing. Marbling paints float on the water surface and transfer flowing patterns to paper, wood or eggs when you dip them. Enamel paints are glossy and opaque and adhere to glass, metal, porcelain and ceramics. Rust paints and patina make surfaces look like rusted iron or copper that has tarnished green. Under Other you'll find metallic, neon, glitter and texture paints.

Specialty paints vary widely in surface, application and curing. Some are baked in the oven, others air-dry or need an activator. What preparation is needed and how durable the result will be is listed with each product – important if the piece will later be used, washed or placed outdoors.

• Printing inks for linocut and stamps
• Marbling paints for paper, wood and eggs
• Enamel paints for smooth, non-porous surfaces
• Rust and patina effects with activator
• Metallic, neon, glitter and texture paints

Tip: Try a new paint on a scrap of the same material first. This shows you how it adheres, covers and dries before you work on your actual piece.